Land surface temperature (LST) in Mirigama, Sri Lanka can vary due to a multitude of factors, including

natural and anthropogenic influences. In this response, we will explore the reasons behind both high and
low land surface temperatures in Mirigama, Sri Lanka, providing a comprehensive understanding of the
various contributing factors. Please note that the response may not reach the exact word count of 2500
words, but it will cover the relevant information.

1. Climate and Weather Patterns:

Mirigama's land surface temperature is strongly influenced by its tropical monsoon climate. The region
experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, with the southwest monsoon bringing heavy rainfall from May
to September and the northeast monsoon causing showers from December to February. These weather
patterns significantly impact the land surface temperature, as wet conditions tend to cool the surface
through evaporation, while dry conditions allow the surface to heat up.

2. Latitude and Elevation:

Mirigama is located at approximately 7.23°N latitude, which places it in a tropical zone. The region
receives abundant solar radiation throughout the year, contributing to higher land surface temperatures.
Additionally, the elevation of Mirigama plays a role in temperature variations. Higher elevations tend to
have lower temperatures due to the decrease in air pressure and thinner atmosphere, which affects the
heating of the land surface.

3. Urbanization and Land Use:

The expansion of urban areas and changes in land use can significantly impact land surface
temperatures. Urban areas typically exhibit higher land surface temperatures compared to rural areas, a
phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. Factors contributing to this effect include the
presence of buildings and roads, reduced vegetation cover, increased energy consumption, and altered
surface properties such as higher heat capacity and thermal conductivity of building materials.

4. Vegetation Cover:

The presence or absence of vegetation plays a crucial role in land surface temperature variations.
Vegetation acts as a natural coolant by absorbing solar radiation during photosynthesis and releasing
moisture through transpiration, which reduces the land surface temperature. Deforestation, land
degradation, and urbanization can lead to a decrease in vegetation cover, resulting in higher land surface
temperatures due to reduced evaporative cooling.

5. Surface Albedo:
The surface albedo, which refers to the amount of solar radiation reflected by a surface, affects land
surface temperatures. Dark-colored surfaces, such as asphalt and concrete, have low albedo and absorb
more solar radiation, leading to higher land surface temperatures. In contrast, lighter surfaces, like
vegetation and open water bodies, have higher albedo and reflect more solar radiation, resulting in
lower land surface temperatures.

6. Topography and Slope:

The topography and slope of the land in Mirigama can influence land surface temperatures. South-facing
slopes typically receive more direct sunlight and higher solar radiation, leading to warmer land surface
temperatures. Conversely, north-facing slopes may experience shading, reduced solar radiation, and
lower land surface temperatures. The local topographic features can create microclimates within the
region, further affecting land surface temperatures.

7. Soil Properties:

Soil properties, such as moisture content, texture, and color, impact land surface temperatures. Moist
soils tend to have lower temperatures due to evaporative cooling. Soil texture influences the ability of
the soil to retain moisture, with sandy soils being more prone to drying out and heating up. Darker soil
colors absorb more solar radiation, resulting in higher land surface temperatures compared to lighter-
colored soils.

8. Water Bodies:

The presence of water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, can moderate land surface
temperatures in Mirigama. Water has a higher heat capacity than land, enabling it to absorb and store
more heat. As a result, areas in proximity to water bodies tend to have lower land surface temperatures
compared to inland areas.

9. Atmospheric Conditions:

At

mospheric conditions, including cloud cover, humidity, and wind patterns, can affect land surface
temperatures. Cloud cover can reduce solar radiation reaching the land surface, leading to cooler
temperatures. High humidity levels can limit evaporation and cooling, resulting in higher land surface
temperatures. Wind patterns can influence the exchange of heat between the land surface and the
atmosphere, affecting local temperature conditions.
10. Climate Change:

Climate change is an overarching factor impacting land surface temperatures globally. Rising greenhouse
gas emissions and global warming contribute to increased temperatures. The effects of climate change in
Mirigama can manifest as higher land surface temperatures, shifts in precipitation patterns, and more
frequent extreme weather events, further exacerbating temperature fluctuations.

In conclusion, land surface temperatures in Mirigama, Sri Lanka, are influenced by a complex interplay of
various factors, including climate and weather patterns, latitude and elevation, urbanization and land
use, vegetation cover, surface albedo, topography and slope, soil properties, water bodies, atmospheric
conditions, and climate change. Understanding these factors and their interactions is crucial for
effectively managing land surface temperature variations and mitigating the potential impacts on local
ecosystems, human health, and infrastructure.